Miata clutch issues, what are your thoughts?

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2011 8:22 pm

I wouldn't think it would reverse direction. Is the PP the "many finger- diaphragm" type or the "three finger" type?

When the clutch engages, is it smooth or does it seem grabby?

JamesShort · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2011 8:32 pm

Probably 8-10 fingers on the PP. Engagement seems fine.

JamesShort · **Posted:** Fri Oct 14, 2011 9:46 am

I think I know what it is. Pressure plate fingers are touching the clutch disc at the extent of the throw but if I back off the pedal a bit, they no longer make contact and the clutch is fully disengaged.

So it is purely clutch pedal/stroke adjustment.

My hunch is the PO had the car and was having engagement problems so a shop adjusted the hell out of the engagement point for the worn clutch.

With a new clutch, the PP fingers are basically straight up and down as opposed to on a thinner clutch disc, where they'd poke backwards some (the hydraulics adjust for this dynamically) so with the same long stroke, early engagement point, it allows the TOB to press the PP fingers so much that the fingers touch the clutch disc and slightly lock the PP/FW to the clutch again.

Ram told me months ago that he could shift and only press the clutch in 1/2 way or less with the old clutch so it got me thinking and it makes sense.

JohnByers · **Posted:** Fri Oct 14, 2011 10:31 am

Thats a good theory and explanation and it is relatively simple to adjust. My old FC had that issue before I had to put a clutch in it and I had to do the exact same thing after the new clutch was installed.

JamesShort · **Posted:** Fri Oct 14, 2011 10:43 am

Yeah, I have my fingers crossed, if I press the clutch to that 'sweet spot' the transmission shifts like a dream, and the clutch feels nice and strong

. That Redline MT90 was worth it since the transmission used to shift notchy as hell.

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Fri Oct 14, 2011 11:02 am

Good call. I was thinking a similar thing that the TOB (and fingers) were pushing the disk against the flywheel. Let us know how it turns out.

JamesShort · **Posted:** Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:09 pm

Yep, backed the adjuster rod back a bit (and compensated for pedal height/free play) and things are perfect. In a few months, I'm sure I'll have to adjust it again as the pedal material wears down. The lock nut on the adjuster rod was WAY tight so I think the previous owner must have had a shop adjust it late in the clutches life to compensate for having too little clutch material which with a new clutch made the TOB push on the pressure plate too much.

JohnByers · **Posted:** Fri Oct 14, 2011 10:21 pm

Pete Guthrie · **Posted:** Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:04 pm

my boxer dog is 72 lbs and i can lift her up ok. i have lifted a transmission off the se-r off my lap, into the mounting tool on my motor, when doing the se-r build. maybe im just strange.now a ford c6 3 speed i can not lift. :sing:

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Miata clutch issues, what are your thoughts?

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